Jeannie Leavitt is the dean of the College of Aviation at the Prescott Campus, where she leads academic programs and aviation-focused initiatives.
Leavitt holds a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she served 31 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Major General.
She was the Air Force’s first female fighter pilot and demonstrated exceptional leadership in high-performance aviation operations. Her command positions included the 333rd Fighter Squadron, the 4th Fighter Wing, the 57th Wing, Air Force Recruiting Service and the Air Force Safety Center.
As Chief of Safety for the Air Force and Space Force, she developed, directed and evaluated aviation, ground, weapons, space and system mishap prevention and nuclear surety programs. She also led risk management training programs for the Air Force and Space Force.
As Director of Operations and Communications for Air Education and Training Command, she oversaw initial skills, undergraduate flying, post-graduate combat crew and supplemental training for more than 300,000 Air Force, Space Force, joint and international personnel across 65 Department of Defense locations.
Leavitt is an experienced pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours, including over 300 in combat. She is a graduate and former F-15E Strike Eagle instructor pilot of the United States Air Force Weapons School.
M.S. - Master of Science in National Security Strategy, National Defense University
M.S. - Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration in Business Administration, Auburn University Main Campus
M. - Master in Military Operational Art and Science, Air University
B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Phi Kappa Phi
Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee, Lone Star Flight Museum, 2025
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, The University of Texas, 2023
Distinguished Engineering Graduate Recipient, the University of Texas, 2020/2021
Women in Aviation International (WAI) Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductee, 2020
International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) Wings Outstanding Aviator Recipient, 2019